Abstract:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received special attention in the recent past because of their structural properties and wide applications in catalysis. MOFs are also used as hard templates for the preparation of catalysts. In this study, highly active CuPt/NC electrocatalyst was synthesized by pyrolyzing Cu-tpa MOF along with Pt precursor under flowing Ar-H2 atmosphere. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). Rotating disk electrode study was performed to determine the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity for CuPt/NC in 0.1 M HClO4 at different rotation (400, 800, 1200 and 1600rpm) and also compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst. CuPt/NC shows excellent ORR performance with onset potential of 0.9V (vs. RHE) and half wave potential of 0.79V (vs. RHE), which is comparable with commercial Pt/C. The ORR activity of CuPt/NC exhibited it as an efficient electrocatalyst for fuel cell technology.
